New Delhi
The government is nearing completion of a streamlined procedure to expedite visa approvals for Chinese professionals needed by manufacturers, a move initially introduced for firms under the PLI scheme. An official disclosed that the SOP, tailored to tackle delays in visa processing for Chinese technicians essential for machine installation, repair, and training in India, is being finalized.
The majority of PLI visas have been addressed. We are also in the final stages of establishing a similar streamlined process for general manufacturing, the official stated, emphasizing the Ministry of Home Affairs’ involvement in the process.
The introduction of these SOPs does not necessitate cabinet approval but involves internal adjustments to ease visa applications for Chinese experts working with Indian manufacturing units. Typically, these professionals require visas for periods ranging from 3 to 6 months.
Industry leaders have welcomed the development, citing its potential to bolster production capabilities by tapping into Chinese expertise, which is also cost-effective compared to other alternatives like Taiwanese specialists.
The PLI scheme, launched in 2021 across 14 sectors including telecommunications, textiles, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals, has disbursed Rs 9,700 crore to beneficiaries so far, with Rs 6,800 crore allocated in 2023-24 alone.
India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) from China has been limited to USD 2.5 billion between April 2000 and March 2024, influenced by stringent regulations under Press Note 3, which mandates prior government approval for investments from neighboring countries including China.
